January 31, 2016 by Tina Williams

ARC REVIEW ~ Taken by the Billionaire, by Christina Phillips, Mel Teshco and Cathleen Ross

Contemporary Erotic Romance

(A collection of Stepbrother Romances)

Adult/18+ read

A Scorching Stepbrother Collection ~ Five stars!

*****

In Taken by the Billionaire, a collection of novellas from Christina Phillips, Mel Teshco and Cathleen Ross, three sisters, Gabi and twins Izzy and Chrissy are in turn taken by their very own Jericho brother Dexter, Max and Tom. Each couple has a very different story to tell, but all three reads contain a mouth-watering combination of scorching sexual tension, toe curling passion and sassy and sexy dialogue!

It is my first foray into the world of stepbrother romances and it is one hot read! The concept has a deliciously deviant taste of the forbidden about it, adding to the sensuality and eroticism of each romance. Each book works well as a standalone but as they are interlinked I think that they are best read in order.

Here’s the book blurb and you can scroll down to read my review of each romance in turn. Tina 🙂

Book Blurb

He’s forbidden…and he’s her every wicked fantasy

Ravished by the Billionaire by Christina Phillips

Dexter Jericho has it all – wealth, good looks and women falling at his feet. The last thing he wants is his little stepsister working in his London casino – until he meets her again. Because now Gabriella is all grown up and sexy as hell, and he can’t keep his hands off her. There’s only one problem – she might be a corporate spy, in which case he’ll keep her close and seduce her secrets from her.

Gabi’s had a crush on her stepbrother for as long as she can remember, and he’s finally noticed her. His scorching kisses and talented tongue make her forget this is a forbidden romance. Until she discovers the truth for his sudden interest and realizes his dirty little secret – is her.

My Review

What can I say? Dexter Jericho, who runs the London based casino for the family business, is one sexy alpha male billionaire used to getting what he wants in and out of the bedroom. However, as soon as spies Gabi in his office he decides that all he wants is his little stepsister who has grown into a highly desirable woman! For the inexperienced Gabi, Dexter’s attention is like a dream come true and they embark on an illicit affair.

Dexter also has another motive in keeping Gabi close, as he fears that a corporate spy is in the midst. However, he soon finds that the closer he gets to the real Gabi the longer he wants her with him. Yet when Gabi’s trust is shattered by his actions what future can there possibly be for them? Also how would their family, not to mention the press react, to a stepbrother/stepsister combo?

I really enjoyed Dex’s and Gabi’s romance. Neither character is what the other expects and they have plenty of surprises in store for them, which Christina Phillips reveals in her own inimitable style! The author also does an excellent job of combining sexual tension with smoking hot erotic love-making scenes which makes for a fabulous romantic read.

Punished by the Billionaire by Mel Teshco

Isabella wants no part of the Jericho fortune, not if it means being a puppet to her stepfather, Harrison Jericho. Instead she turns to her one skill and passion and becomes a professional gambler. Except no money in the world is enough to make her forget her eldest stepbrother, Max Jericho, or the scorching kiss they shared at a party.

Max has been keeping tabs on his beautiful stepsister, Isabella. He’s been half in love with her for years, and no amount of hard labor and bedding other women makes him forget her. But his feelings won’t mean a thing if she’s guilty of dragging the Jericho name through the mud. He needs to get her alone to uncover the truth. And now that he’s CEO of his very own casino, Bella is drawn to him like a moth to flame.

Except losing a bet to Max and staying in his penthouse for a week just might be Isabella’s biggest gamble yet. Especially when she discovers how far he’s willing to go to clear the Jericho name.

My Review

This novella is set in Vegas, where the headstrong Izzy is pursuing her career as a professional gambler. Having lost a substantial bet to Max, she finds that her punishment is to spend one week ensconced in his penthouse, where he is hell bent on possessing her and punishing her for her seemingly bad behaviour. The type of punishment every girl dreams of and believe me the scenes are hot!

The chemistry between Max and Izzy is undeniable: the sex is scorching and sparks fly. Izzy needs a strong man to keep her in check and Max is certainly up to the job. As Max and his brothers work together across three continents to get to the bottom of the issue of the corporate spy, Izzy and Max’s relationship is threatened. I was itching to find out if Max could trust this woman whom he is drawn to like no other and whether Izzy would lose all, including her heart, in the process.

Trapped by the Billionaire by Cathleen Ross

Tom Jericho has never got over the naked body slide his sixteen year old stepsister Christabelle Evernight performed on him when he was twenty-one. Born with a sense of honor, he wouldn’t take her virginity then but he’s certainly interested in having her now. After all, what’s a little dirty fun between step siblings and Christabelle has been a very bad girl.

There’s nothing more humiliating than being knocked back by the hottest, sexiest stepbrother Chrissy has ever seen, so she’s not going to Australia to work under him, except her stepfather leaves her no choice.

Tom Jericho knows her secret and he’s going to make her pay, but Chrissy has grown up now and she happens to enjoy Tom’s brand of punishment – and knows just how to pay him back.

My Review

In the third and final novella the action turns to the Jericho casino in Sydney, where Chrissy has been sent by her stepfather to work with stepbrother Tom, the very man who rejected her when she was younger. The emotional turmoil she is under has led this normally meek and mild young woman to act very much out of character and Tom is out for revenge, whilst extracting maximum enjoyment from the situation – enjoyment that Chrissy cannot resist. Cue some sizzling scenes!

When Tom, who has a strong sense of honour learns of his stepsister’s real motivation for her actions what will he do? Will he reject her yet again or will the couple find their HEA, however controversial such a pairing will be? It takes a some unexpected developments at the casino before Tom’s hand is forced.

The collection of red hot, feel good erotic romances is guaranteed to please and I loved how the story panned out to ensure a fitting HEA for all the siblings involved!

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Please note, a copy of his book was given to me by the authors for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

Purchase Links

Amazon UK Amazon US

Connect with the Authors

Mel: Facebook Twitter

Christina: Facebook Twitter

Cathleen: Facebook Twitter

January 30, 2016 by Caroline Barker

Review Round-Up Nov & Dec 2015

Hi readers, it has been a while since our last Review Round-Up, and so I do hope that you are all well and had a fantastic Christmas Holiday!

Although I have been reading a great deal, with a house move to the coast over the Christmas period, and having a short time without Wi-Fi it has taken me a little longer to write and publish blog posts. I have, however, been enjoying Scarborough (UK) life with walks along the coast, up the cliffs and around the castle remains, as well as visiting author Anne Brontes grave! Meanwhile, Tina has held up the fort like a true warrior with the amount of reviews she has posted, as well as assisting a local Lit Fest! Thanks, Tina ❤

We have quite a mix of genres from the end of 2015 to share with you, from dystopian sci-fi fantasies, to erotic paranormal romances, historical romances and a mystery chick-lit! Amongst them is also a gritty, Scottish crime thriller, Blue Wicked by Alan Jones, which we are currently running a giveaway on. (For more info on this, please click the title.)

As always, please click on the titles to view our full reviews and more!

Although a little later than usual we wish you all a Happy New Year x

Caroline & Tina 🙂

The Man Who Missed the Boat by Peter Wells, contemporary drama (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: It should have been an ordinary Saturday morning. A short walk down his street to give a piano lesson at the home of a family he knew well. As it turned out, he knew them rather better than was good for him. How much trouble can a well-intentioned piano teacher land in? Simon Baxter discovers that being “well-meaning” is sometimes not enough to protect you from the chaos in other people’s lives. Even an excessive sense of “good manners” can be disastrous in the wrong circumstances. Under pressure the unorganised desires kept strictly deep inside us can surface and bring chaos to the lives of ourselves and anyone near us. Will our untrained hero make it safely across the river of life or, like so many of us, get swept up by the current of events towards an unplanned adventure? In the sudden change from “Not being loved enough” to “Being loved too much, and by more than one women,” Simon finds out more about himself than he would like. Can he choose wisely, and live with the consequences? In this, his second novel, Peter Wells continues to cast his gentle but penetrating light on those foibles and weaknesses which lie beneath the exterior of the apparently most ordered lives. Those hidden character traits which can, in the right circumstances, surface and toss their owner, and anyone around him or her, most unpleasantly.

The Point of Evil, Point Vamp: Book Four by Victoria Bliss, erotic paranormal romance (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: Blood and sex were all he ever wanted until love gave him something worth living an eternity for.

Steve—who had been a womanizer in life and was even more so in death—prowls the Point using his vampiric wiles to get the blood and sex he craves. He’s always looking for his next meal and when he sees a tall, curvy beauty with a red scarf around her neck, he thinks he’s found it.

Eloise is different—she’s shy and needs encouragement, and Steve just can’t get her out of his mind. He has to take his time, get to know her and slowly seduce her. When she disappears, leaving only a note begging him not to pursue her further, he can’t help himself and ends up in the service of George Aquino, a vampire crime boss with a penchant for twisted and cruel torture and a dungeon full of prisoners.

A daring rescue, a difficult choice and love against the odds. Do you dare visit the point of evil?

The Point Vamp series

What is The Point? It is the hottest club in town for both Vampires and humans alike. It has a large dance floor and a bar like any other club but once you disappear behind the VIP only door you find out what makes The Point so unique. Sex, blood and lust all behind closed doors and only accessed by the chosen ones.

Now, you become a chosen one and get to see the sexy world behind that door.

Welcome to The Point.

30 Days by JA Heron, erotic thriller (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: Dariana Walsh is the daughter of a ruthless gangster and heir to his empire. Not only does she feel trapped, but she has many questions about numerous incidents that have happened in her life so far. Particularly, what happened to her mother? Her father sees her as his little girl, but she longs to be treated like an adult. He wants to shape her, to become more like him, but she resists, the only way she knows how…

One of Wilson Walsh’s men – Chas – is not who he seems. He was sent to infiltrate, earn trust and walk away with Wilson’s most treasured possession, his daughter. He has a plan to take down the most unrelenting man to walk the streets of East London.
Over the next thirty days, blood is shed, friendships are formed and amongst all of the pain and suffering, surprisingly, love blossoms.

In a sea of betrayal and violence… time and love know no bounds.

***Contains strong sexual and violent scenes ~ over 18’s only. There are strong, dark scenes in this book if you do not wish to read about violence, sexual violence or child abuse, then please do not buy this book***

Traegar’s Redemption (Woodland Creek) by Isobelle Cate, sci-fi paranormal time-travel romance (reviewed by Caroline)

Blurb: Marcus Theodoric Treagar is a sabretooth with a curse that has him traveling through time, leaving a trail of dead bodies. Not only that, but as soon as he falls in love, he is wrenched away from that period and returned to 16th century Venice. To save the last remaining piece of his heart, he refuses to become involved again.

Until Paisley Halleran.

As the daughter of the shifter chronicler, Paisley Halleran knows that magick and the paranormal abound in Woodland Creek. With her adopted brother, Virgil Rowtag, they fight for every shifter’s rights in the area. When Paisley comes face to face with Marcus, who has been arrested for a murder he does not remember committing, she believes he is innocent. Marcus, on the other hand, knows he has finally found the woman truly meant for him.
However, not everything is cut and dried. Paisley unearths tragic secrets and lies that link her to Marcus. Not only will it show her whether Marcus is truly innocent or guilty of the murders in Woodland Creek, it will also spell the difference between staying with Marcus because she wants to, or letting him go because she has no choice.

Shield of Winter (Psy-Changeling #13) by Nalini Singh, sci-fi fantasy paranormal romance (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: Assassin. Soldier. Arrow. That is who Vasic is, who he will always be. His soul drenched in blood, his conscience heavy with the weight of all he’s done, he exists in the shadows, far from the hope his people can almost touch – if only they do not first drown in the murderous insanity of a lethal contagion. To stop the wave of death, Vasic must complete the simplest and most difficult mission of his life.

For if the Psy race is to survive, the empaths must wake . . .

Having rebuilt her life after medical ‘treatment’ that violated her mind and sought to stifle her abilities, Ivy should have run from the black-clad Arrow with eyes of winter frost. But Ivy Jane has never done what she should. Now, she’ll fight for her people, and for this Arrow who stands as her living shield, yet believes he is beyond redemption.

But as the world turns to screaming crimson, even Ivy’s fierce will may not be enough to save Vasic from the cold darkness . . .

The Ghosts of Ravencrest (The Ravencrest Saga #1) by Tamara Thorne and Alistair Cross, modern gothic, erotic horror, paranormal (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: Darkness Never Dies …
Ravencrest Manor has always been part of the family. The ancestral home of the Mannings, Ravencrest’s walls have been witness to generations of unimaginable scandal, horror, and depravity. Imported stone by stone from England to northern California in the early 1800s, the manor now houses widower Eric Manning, his children, and his staff. Ravencrest stands alone, holding its memories and ghosts close to its dark heart, casting long, black shadows across its grand lawns, through the surrounding forests, and over the picturesque town of Devilswood, below.

Dare to Cross the Threshold …
Ravencrest Manor is the most beautiful thing new governess, Belinda Moorland, has ever seen, but as she learns more about its tangled past of romance and terror, she realizes that beauty has a dark side. Ravencrest is built on secrets, and its inhabitants seem to be keeping plenty of their own – from the handsome English butler, Grant Phister, to the power-mad administrator, Mrs. Heller, to Eric Manning himself, who watches her with dark, fathomless eyes. But Belinda soon realizes that the living who dwell in Ravencrest have nothing on the other inhabitants – the ones who walk the darkened halls by night … the ones who enter her dreams … the ones who are watching … and waiting …

Welcome to Ravencrest …
Who is the man digging in the garden beyond Belinda’s bedroom window? Who – or what – is watching her from the vents? From ghostly screams and the clutching bony fingers of death in the indoor pool, to the trio of gliding nuns in the east wing who come at Belinda with black blazing eyes, to the beckoning little girl in the red dress who died more than two centuries ago, Belinda is thrust into a world of waking nightmares where there is no distinction between the living and the dead, and there are no limits to the horrors that await. Witchcraft is afoot at Ravencrest and as unspeakable terrors begin to unfold, Belinda realizes that her beautiful new home is a keeper of tragedy, a collector of souls. And it wants to add her to its collection …

Windward Secrets by K.A. Davis, paranormal horror suspense, mystery, chick-lit (reviewed by Caroline)

Blurb: At just over 67,700 words Windward Secrets is a fast paced mystery laced with humour, suspense, and a touch of the paranormal that will make the reader gasp at times, and soften their hearts at other times.

When Claire McPherson booked Windward Cottage, for the annual reunion with three college friends, her biggest concern was whether they would like the weather-beaten, old Victorian on Cape Cod. Claire, Diane, Jill, and Caroline are in for more than a little Right and R. Windward Cottage has its own special powers of seduction. After 35 years of friendship they thought they knew everything about each other, but the old house draws confessions out of each and leads them unwillingly into a 50yearold mystery.

What was planned to be a vacation filled with fun, food, and reminiscing turns into one that will change their lives forever. Who or what is trying to frighten them? Only one woman’s stubborn determination keeps them at Windward Cottage when common sense tells them to leave. Fear, danger, and unexplained events connect the four women to each other and to Windward Cottage. Three of the women find their futures, and one finds her past.

Readers will recognize someone they know in every character as Windward Secrets heightens their awareness of the heinous crime of human trafficking.

Dream Alchemy (Life and Shadow Series) by Nicholas Boyd Crutchley, dystopian sci-fi fantasy (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: A warrior battles hydra.

The Blood Plague liquefies eyes.

A rapper rails against Earth’s ecological ruin.

From the pitch Abyss, Chaos corrupts our dreams.

On stealing the dreams of an old warrior and priestess, Chaos discovers them to be essential ingredients for his dream alchemy. With their souls the dark god can control Sol, Dragonland’s angelic ruler, and release his wanton daughter, Babalon, from Hell. If the devil queen returns and swallows the angel’s soul, the veil separating reality from the pitch Abyss will tear, and Chaos will pour forth and warp reality. Can Sol defeat Chaos? Or will Babalon’s poison kiss seduce him?

Through the psiqnet, a network of human minds and quantum artificial intelligences (QAIs), consumers shop Earth towards ecological ruin. The preachers of Gaia, ecoterrorists woven within the system, seek to bring economic and ecological harmony through Gaia QAI. Yet as Gaia begins to infect other QAIs with compassion, the Blood Plague rises, intent on exterminating humankind.

What force connects Dragonland and Earth?

The Life & Shadow Series explores how genetic engineering, synthetic biology and nanotechnology will impact humankind and Earth’s ecology. More specifically, themes include the outcome of human minds interfacing with artificial intelligences, the long-term effect of humankind on natural ecosystems, and compassion in society.

Goddess by Kelee Morris, contemporary, erotic romance (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: Wife, mother, PTA president… Sex Goddess?

For Julia Nelson, it was only a faded tattoo, almost forgotten, like the sex-charged dreams that inspired it some 20 years ago.

For renowned, rugged-sexy archaeologist Dr. Ashland Stewart, it was his greatest discovery, the sacred emblem of an ancient goddess culture.

Two symbols, eons apart, yet exact duplicates. It must be a coincidence. But when Julia and Ashland meet, their connection is instantaneous, powerful, erotic.

Julia’s suburban life is safe and comfortable. She has everything to lose.

Ashland’s world is remote archaeological digs and flings with younger women. He’s sexually free but emotionally guarded.

Ashland awakens Julia’s long buried inner goddess with breath-taking passion and insatiable desire.

But their sexual adventure becomes increasingly perilous as their emotional barriers crumble. Will Julia risk falling in love and soaring to new heights, or will she return to her earthbound responsibility to her family?

Blue Wicked by Alan Jones, crime thriller, drama (reviewed by Caroline)

Blurb: ‘Blue Wicked’ is a gritty thriller set in the south side of Glasgow. Eddie Henderson finds himself as the unlikely investigator with information that there’s a serial killer targeting the substance dependent underclass who inhabit the notorious Glasgow housing estates. The police force ignore his warnings but one young detective believes him and she helps him search for the truth, despite putting her own career at risk. Their desperate search for the truth on their own proves Eddie right and sparks off a massive manhunt, with Eddie and Catherine, the young detective, at the forefront of the investigation. The book contains a fair bit of strong language and Glasgow dialect, and has some very violent passages.

A Discreet Gentleman of Discovery (The Discreet Gentleman Series #1) by Kris Tualla, historical romance (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: Brander Hansen lost his hearing at age seven, his inheritance at twenty-three. Furious at his father’s betrayal, Brander leaves home to make his way as Lord Olsen, a ‘discreet gentleman of discovery’ in 1721 Christiania, Norway. He intends to gain his own estate and begins buying the debt markers on Kildahlshus.

Baroness Regin Kildahl’s husband has gambled away her estate and sunk to more dangerous habits. She writes to Lord Olsen soliciting his help saving both her husband and her home. When her husband dies, Regin offers herself and her title to anyone who will redeem his gambling debts, unaware of Brander’s plan and circumventing his efforts.

The Hansen heir accepts her offer and hires Lord Olsen to deliver his bride. Brander’s choices are clear: give the widow and her estate to his younger brother, or claim them both as his own. But who would accept a deaf husband?

Discovered (Forsaken Blood #1) by Em Taylor, sci-fi romance (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: Lachlan Ethelred Mackenzie looks like an ordinary sexy university professor, but for over a millennium, he’s been one of a number of his kind trying to steer humanity towards the heavens. But humans are slow and stubborn.

It’s been a long slow journey since the spaceship from Vampyras experienced technical difficulty near Earth in 1006 and the Vampyrs had to abandon ship, and learn to survive on a planet filled with primitive beings.

It’s now 2061, and humanity is heading to Mars – perhaps now the Vampyrs can research space folding technology away from prying human eyes.

Psychologist, Doctor Kate Maxwell is excited about going to Mars—except for one thing – she’s terrified of the journey. A space accident when she was twelve has left her with PTSD and a fear of space travel. But when the handsome Professor, Lachlan Mackenzie becomes her cabin mate she finds herself falling for him all too easily. But why is he so reticent? He’s cute, single and seems altogether perfect.

Things are getting complicated for Lachlan. He’s falling for the sexy red-headed psychologist, his long-lost daughter is on board the spaceship to Mars and she has no clue what or who he is and it seems that the leader of the Vampyr council is plotting something. Lachlan has too many secrets and too many problems. And Kate is the only thing he wants. Can he keep his hands and his fangs away from her? Does he want to? And what will happen if she discovers his secret?

All hell is about to break loose.

This book contains scenes of an adult nature.

Sex, Snow and Mistletoe (short story) by Laura Barnard, contemporary, festive holiday romance (reviewed by Caroline)

Blurb: Melinda is already having a crappy Christmas. Forced to attend some snotty bitch’s wedding is not the way to start out the holidays. But when a car crash pushes her into the path of a handsome stranger she’s glad to follow his snowy, sexy and seductive path. But is he too good to be true? And will she make it to the wedding before her best friend loses her mind with worry?

Please note this is a short story of 10k words.

Miranda’s Dilemma (Fashionably Impure #1) by Natasha Blackthorne, erotic, regency, historical romance (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: Poised to become Mayfair’s most expensive and exclusive courtesan, Miss Miranda Jones finds her rise inexplicably blocked by a socially powerful nobleman. Scorned by her ducal father and determined to attain everything that life has denied her due to an accident of birth, she’s not about to let this arrogant earl stop her.

Adrian Sutherland, the Earl of Danvers, saw his father destroyed by a heartless, predatory courtesan. He has no time or patience for such exotic, expensive ladybirds. He’s far too busy restoring his family’s wealth and reputation whilst doing what he can to protect his friends from the clutches of all the scheming courtesans of London.

Then a moment of compassion turns intense dislike to breathless passion, and these two strong-willed, fiercely proud people are compelled to indulge in a brief affair. Each is convinced that they can satisfy their craving for the other without emotional risk.

But neither realizes that a little dalliance can be a dangerous thing.

Reader Advisory: This is an erotic historical romance and it contains frank sexual language and period appropriate sexual slang, frequent sexual scenes and descriptions and general bedchamber naughtiness. The characters discuss abuse issues from their backstories during the course of their developing relationship. For Adults 18 & Over Only.

The Men of the Border Lands Collection, Volume 1 (Ménage Everlasting) by Marla Monroe, erotic, futuristic ménage à trois romance (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: (This collection includes three books from the Men of the Border Lands series, nearly 110k words total). MFM, erotic romance.

In Belonging to Them, while escaping slavery in the Border Lands, Heather hides in a trailer belonging to brothers Brandon and Bolton. They take her to their farm and prove they won’t harm her. Bolton quickly falls in love, but Brandon pulls away. After a wolf attack almost takes her from them, Brandon must realize he could lose the best thing that’s ever happened to him.

In A Home with Them, fed up with the reluctant men who have cared for her for five years, Jessie takes matters into her own hands. Wyatt and Kent worry that their kind of love isn’t what Jessie needs, but a tough life out in the Border Lands and a kidnapping show the men that Jessie belongs with them.

In Their Border Lands Temptress, after the year of catastrophes, Ronnie jumps at an offer of protection from a lifelong friend. When the safety becomes abuse, she runs. Brice and Garrett know she needs a man to protect her, and they are hell-bent to help her. When danger shows up at their door, Ronnie must decide if she’s ready for them to be more than lovers or if she’s too scared to let them into her heart.

The Border Lands are a dangerous place, but love and passion are often the keys to surviving.

** A Siren Erotic Romance

Hold Me Until Forever (Grayson Brothers #3) by Christina Phillips, erotic contemporary romance (reviewed by Tina)

Blurb: She’s the only one he wants…and the one he can never have

Ella Clark has been in love with Alex Grayson forever. She’s tired of being invisible—or worse, being treated like his kid sister. If she can just get him to drop his iron-fisted control for two seconds, she’ll prove she knows exactly how to blow his mind.

Alex has been fighting his attraction to Ella since her should-have-been-innocent sweet sixteen kiss burned down his world. He’s damaged, and there’s no way he’ll ever drag her into his screwed up life. Until she offers him something he’s always craved—steamy, no-strings sex inside his exclusive BDSM club. Where she’ll be safe from the darkness that haunts him.

Except there’s nothing safe about being with Ella, and the more she gives, the harder it is to let her go. If he stays, he risks everything, but how can he walk away from the only woman he’s ever needed?

January 29, 2016 by Caroline Barker

DOUBLE REVIEW Winter’s Spirit & The Good Girl (short stories) by Deborah Melanie

Today we offer you a choice of SWEET or SPICY……, or maybe you like to be greedy and have both as I did! 🙂 Both stories, Winter’s Spirit and The Good Girl are festive/winter short stories by Deborah Melanie, and offer more excuses to curl up on the sofa and divulge in some seasonal hotties!

SWEET

Title: Winter’s Spirit

Author: Deborah Melanie

Genre: Contemporary holiday romance, fantasy, paranormal, short story, chick-lit

Date released: February 2nd, 2011

Published by: Solstice Publishing

Length: 81 pages

Blurb: Winter McAndrew is on the brink of divorcing her philandering husband, Philip, when he dies in a car crash. One year later and with unfinished business; Philip is still earth bound and interfering in his wife’s love life. Trying to make amends isn’t always easy when you’re dead. Not only has Winter fallen for her old crush, Jack Tobin, but he also happens to be Philip’s cousin. With more complications than a woman needs at Christmas, Winter tries to find peace at her holiday home in The Lake District. However, when she finds herself snowed in with Jack; ghosts, old and new cause quite a stir. Will Winter get her man, or will ghostly Philip put an end to all her festive fantasies?

REVIEW ***** (5* RATING)

I absolutely loved this fun and sweet, short story. It has a little of everything that a festive romance should: two really developed main characters, a great, wintry setting, romance chase, warmth, fun, and of course a dilemma for Winter and Jack to overcome.

Winter, although hurt from her cheating husband, is a very considerate, loving person as she decides to protect his family from knowledge of Philip’s philandering ways. Deep down she has always been in love with Philip’s cousin, Jack, but as fate would have it, it wasn’t meant to be.

Now, Winter has been alone for so long; both during and after Philip’s death. And, after some awkward conversations with Jack, that leave her all confused, she decides to take a break in her holiday home in the Lake District.

On the flip side, Jack has always been in love with Winter, and her happiness is all that he has ever wanted for her. And so, believing that Philip was the one for her, he remained silent all these years about his true feelings. A close friend is aware of his unhappiness and now encourages Jack to come clean to Winter. And, when he finally plucks up the courage to approach and tell her his true feelings he gets wind of her mystery man! Thus, deciding to leave her be.

It is confusing and a little frustrating at times for these two as they keep shying around each other, and not really knowing the truth. However, their real feelings for each other leave the reader longing for them to get together. And, the author keeps it fun and sexy as her choice of words flirt with the reader and keep you hooked.

“The secret crush she harboured for her friend, felt to some extent out of control. Despite the melting snow on his coat and the layers of woollens surrounding him, the man oozed sex appeal. His supple fingers caressed the colourful trinkets and beads on the nearby display stand. Without warning she found herself wondering how those fingers would feel on the nape of her neck, or gliding in a gentle caress across her cheek, or … She shook herself from the visual. She needed to move him from the beads and fast before she leapt on top of the man.”

And, this story couldn’t get any better when both characters have no choice but to remain in each other’s company in unforeseen circumstances. Will this be the opportunity they both need to reveal their true feelings? Or, does the situation encourage an overwhelming awkwardness that leaves them further apart than they started?

Winter’s Spirit by Deborah Melanie is available at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

SPICY

Title: The Good Girl

Author: Deborah Melanie

Genre: Contemporary holiday erotica, erotic fantasy, short story

Date released: December 1st, 2014

Published by: Solstice Publishing

Length: 33 pages

Blurb: With the festive season almost upon her, plus size model, Sarah, wonders if being naughty not nice, will get her everything her heart and body desires. With two gorgeous neighbours and a unique employment opportunity, could this be the year when Sarah’s naughty Christmas wishes are finally granted?

The book contains adult themes and menage situations.

REVIEW ***** (5* RATING)

Now, it’s time for the heat levels to rise with this hot, spicy, festive short story. The Good Girl is a fun and naughty read that will certainly get your pulse rate up!

It’s coming up to Christmas, and with no job, plus-size model, Sarah, needs cash. Her friends and neighbours, partners Jack and Neil, might just have the answer she is looking for. For a delightful amount of money she could work at the store in which they are employed, modelling sexy and outlandish garments for customers.

Sarah’s desires cloud her mind for the most part, as she finds her male neighbours really hot. In fact, aside from wanting a job, they are second on her Christmas list to Santa. After all, she has been a ‘good girl’.

“My second wish is purely for indulgence purposes. And I do think that even though I’m over 18, I should still be indulged by someone, especially at this time of year. Actually I’d love to be indulged by two someones, my neighbours, actually…. Do you know those two handsome boys that someone planted next door, for the sole purpose of sexually tormenting me?…

I don’t consider myself a demanding type of woman Santa, but I could be. Especially where those two are concerned. I won’t bore you with the details of the fantasies they star in; it probably would be too x-rated for you anyway. But they are HOT. I’m in no doubt whatsoever that in real life they would be equally as hot…”

As she is offered a further role, working directly with them, modelling and more, it isn’t too long before Sarah’s wildest thoughts become a reality in the most surprising way!

If you’re looking for a sweet romance then this is not the book for you. But, if you’re looking for something naughty, dirty, wild and fun this book is perfect! Plus, it is an extremely short read that you could slot in at any time! It is recommended for adults only (18ys +) due to it’s content.

The Good Girl by Deborah Melanie is available at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

January 28, 2016 by Caroline Barker

REVIEW A Taste of Christmas [Dublin Style] by Krissy V

Although, a little late (or early) for Christmas, I was delighted to read A Taste of Christmas earlier this month. It was a little book I picked up from the Second City Signing from the author herself, and I am very happy that I did!

Title: A Taste of Christmas [Dublin Style]

Author: Krissy V

Genre: Festive, holiday romance, contemporary, chick-lit

Date released: December 5th, 2014

Length: 169 pages

Blurb: My name is Nollaig, it’s the Irish word for Christmas. I hate my name. My parents loved Christmas and that’s why they gave me such a festive name, together with the fact that I was born on Christmas Day.

However, my parents are no longer with us after dying in a car accident on Christmas Eve, five years ago.

Now I hate Christmas all together.

I always hated the fact that everyone got presents on my birthday. Now my parents are gone and ever since then I just don’t feel like celebrating Christmas. Everything about this holiday gives me sad memories.

I need a miracle to happen over the Christmas holiday to make me change my mind about Christmas.

Who knew that a quick shopping trip would provide me with the miracle that I so desperately needed?

REVIEW ***** (5* rating)

A Taste of Christmas is the ideal festive romance story to read, especially during advent, whether you enjoy Christmas or not. It is a super, sweet romance between characters Nollaig and Tully that takes you through most of December from the moment that they meet up in mid-December until New Year’s Eve.

The contrasting attitudes that Nollaig and Tully have towards the festive period make for a very interesting read, and enables readers to empathise with at least one of the main characters, creating a connection with the reader immediately. Nollaig cannot get away from Christmas no matter how much she tries. Her name is the Irish word for Christmas, and her birthday falls on Christmas day, meaning that one special day of the year meant just for her is actually shared with everybody she knows, taking the edge off her day! To top it all off she lost her parents on Christmas Eve. So, yes, Christmas is and always will be grim for Nollaig.

But, her life takes a turn when one day when out shopping she stumbles into musician, Tully, in a most embarrassing way. Tully is a very warm, kind and caring character who absolutely loves the festivities. And, over the course of the story it becomes clear just how magical Christmas can be as he empathises with Nollaig, yet tries to show her just how beautiful it can be. Will Nollaig appreciate Tully’s efforts, or is it too much too soon?

I love how the author has made both of these characters patient with each other, and they both give each other a chance, rather than giving up. The conflict of the story is their opposing views, which is a little overwhelming at times for Nollaig; sometimes in an exciting way, and other times in an emotional way. This couple are just so cute for each other, the reader is constantly rooting for a nice outcome.

It is a lovely, warm story that is sure to warm up any cold winter. And so, if you’re looking for a winter read while the season is still upon us, or whether you want to make your Christmas list early for December 2016, A Taste of Christmas is perfect for you!

A Taste of Christmas by Krissy V is available at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

January 28, 2016 by Tina Williams

Release Day ~ Rennillia 2 by M. Sembera (includes excerpt)

The truth is simple.

It’s what comes after that makes things complicated.

Rennillia 2 (Rennillia Series #2)

New Adult

M. Sembera

Jan. 28, 2016

Four friends test the bonds of love, loyalty, and friendship in the second installment of this suspenseful new-adult saga.

Excerpt:

Hert smiled slightly, running his fingers down my arm. As I smiled back, I stopped his hand holding it tight.

Appearing as though he couldn’t stop himself, Hert leaned over and kissed me before saying, “I want you. Why do you need to know anything else? That should be enough.”

Staring directly at him, I assured, “It would be if it was just you and me.”

Closing his eyes, Hert leaned his forehead to mine. I closed mine too, placing my hands on the sides of his face. The moment intensified with every breath I took. Knowing whatever he was dwelling on would hurt in the long run, I stayed silent. For a few moments, we were simply ourselves, until Hert pulled away.

“I’m not in a position where I can question what I’m doing. If it helps, I can try to make it as easy on you as possible,” he stated.

Narrowing my eyes at him, I asked, “You really think I feel this way because it’s hard?” as he shrugged I imparted, “I’m not going to say I don’t wish things were easy, it would be a nice change but I never really know what the truth is. It shouldn’t be that complicated to just tell me the truth.”

Taking a deep breath, Hert replied, “The truth is simple, it’s what happens after, that makes things complicated.”

At that point I knew he was never going to be the one to tell me what I wanted to know. I was going to have to figure it out all on my own.

Rennillia 1 Only 99¢

Amazon buy link

Marked Heart Novels by M. Sembera

Marked Heart Series

Complete Box Set

Four full-length stand alone novels and one novella interconnecting four couples that will make you fall in love, laugh, cry, swoon, and believe in second chances

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amazon author page

http://www.BrokenBirdMedia.com

January 27, 2016 by Tina Williams

REVIEW ~ Defaced: A Dark Romance Novel (The Monster Trilogy Book 1), by Marissa Farrar

Dark Romance/Suspense

Adult/18+ Read

Book Blurb

Monster
Hidden away from society by his criminal father, there lives a man who has never entered the outside world. Now, having taken over his father’s business, he has all the money and power he could dream of, yet still he refuses to let himself be viewed by the rest of society.

Lily
Traumatised by an event in her past, Lily Drayton has a phobia of being touched. Though she helps people externally with her skills as a laser therapist, she refuses to let anyone in, emotionally or physically. When Lily is kidnapped on the way home from work one evening, she discovers she’s not the only person who keeps themselves cut off from the rest of the world.

Defaced
A man owns her now—a man both dangerous and enigmatic. Drawn by his dual beauty and hidden pain, he awakens something inside her, something she believed was long dead. Brought to a room without windows, she’s given an impossible task: to make her owner acceptable to the outside world.

Can altering his face change who he is as a man, or is he truly a monster, both inside and out?

My Review ~ Five stars

Dark, Conflicted and Sizzling

Defaced, the first book in Marissa Farrar’s The Monster Trilogy is a dark and beautiful love story of two damaged souls who come together in extraordinary circumstances. It has elements of beauty and the beast, but it is a fairy tale for adults only as it contains scenes of abduction, human trafficking, violence, abuse and its aftermath. It also has blistering erotic scenes between the hero and heroine. It is the first book that I have read by the author and as I’m a dark romance junkie I one clicked this read as soon as I read the plot!

The author pairs Monster, a man who conceals his physical appearance from the world, with a woman who has her own demons. Lily has a phobia of human touch, beyond the physical contact she needs to make with her patients as part of her job as a laser therapist. Yet Monster needs Lily’s skills and she finds herself abducted and brought to his home……. Monster has prepared carefully for Lily’s abduction and thinks that he knows all that there is to know about her….

I found the scenes where Lily is abducted particularly brutal and the author does a fantastic job of showing us how terrified Lily is. The methods Monster employs to ‘persuade’ Lily to use her skills to alter his appearance are also difficult to contemplate, but make for an addictive psychological read. Their romance is a slow burn, for although they are attracted to each other from the off, there are a host of internal conflicts they both face due to their traumatised pasts.

I was on tender hooks waiting to see if Lily could have a future with a criminal as cold, calculating and ruthless as Monster. Could he be the man of her dreams or is he a true monster? Also is there a place for Lily in Monster’s life, as he takes up the mantle left by his deceased father?

I admit Monster is the sort of hero that I love, a dominant tortured alpha, and bringing together Monster with Lily was a masterstroke by the author. The read, which has plenty of emotional depth, is full of sexual tension, hot love-making, danger and suspense.

I’m eagerly awaiting the next instalment of Lily and Monster’s unorthodox romance!

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Purchase Links

Amazon UK Amazon US

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January 26, 2016 by Tina Williams

REVIEW ~ Properly Or Not At All, by Lucy Felthouse

Erotic Romance (short)

Adult/18+ Read

Book Blurb

How will a husband and wife cope when they’re told one of their favourite kinky pastimes is temporarily off the menu?

Tristan and Jayme are not only devoted husband and wife, they are also Dominant and submissive, with a particular penchant for spanking. They’ve been playing delicious kinky games for the fifteen years they’ve been together and couldn’t be happier. However, when Tristan develops a health issue that means he can’t redden his wife’s backside for a while, it puts both of them under a lot of strain. It’s a big part of their sex life and one they’ll miss badly.

They try to find a way around their unfortunate predicament, but it’s not easy. In the end, Tristan declares that he will either spank Jayme’s bottom properly, or not at all.

The prospect of no spanking at all dismays Jayme, but she has no other choice. Or does she? Continuing to put her mind toward the issue, she indulges in some solo experimentation, with mixed results.

But how will Tristan feel when he finds out his wife has gone behind his back?

Reader Advisory: This book contains anal sex and a scene of female ejaculation.

Publisher’s Note: This book was previously released as part of the Over the Knee anthology by Totally Bound Publishing.

Review (Four Stars)

A Blistering Read

This is another blistering read from author Lucy Felthouse. Forced to temporarily draw a halt to one of their favourite pastimes, Tristan and Jayme make valiant efforts to cope with the situation. However it is not easy for this kinky couple, and sorely missing this part of their relationship, Jayme takes matters into her own hands to ease the ache within her… Yet husband and Dom Tristram is less than impressed with the solo efforts of his wayward Sub. His reaction and the ensuing activities made this an entertaining and pleasurable read!

Recommended to fans of erotic romance and erotica who are after a short read guaranteed to please!

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Please note, a copy of this book was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

Purchase Links

Amazon US Amazon UK

Totally Bound

Connect with the Author

http://www.lucyfelthouse.co.uk

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January 25, 2016 by Tina Williams

SALE BLITZ & SURPRISE RELEASE: Imperfect/Perfect Truth by Ava Harrison (includes excerpt)

“Once upon a time my marriage was built on love…

Until it wasn’t.”

Imperfect Truth by Ava Harrison is NOW ON SALE FOR ONLY $0.99!

Amazon US: Amazon UK:

As a special treat to her loyal fans. Ava has released a SURPRISE FREE EPILOGUE.

Perfect Truth is NOW LIVE!

Amazon US: Amazon UK:

Blurb

I’m a blogger. He’s a writer.

He was my weakness.

I was his muse.

Once upon a time my marriage was built on love…

Until it wasn’t.

Where had we gone wrong?

I had given up hope…

But then he messaged me,

And his words intoxicated me.

Made me believe in love again.

Made me believe in truth.

My imperfect truth…

Want to know what happened to Ava after Imperfect Truth?

Read Perfect Truth NOW for FREE!

**Price is subject to change. May not be available outside the US**

Amazon US:

Excerpt: Perfect Truth by Ava Harrison

Holy shit, holy shit, holy shit.

I stare at my phone then back in the mirror. No way. It can’t be, can it? My brain counts backward. Four weeks. Nah, no chance. I was alone four weeks ago. See, overreacting as usual. Wait…

What was I doing two weeks ago?

A memory creeps into my brain. Oh, I totally remember what I was doing. My cheeks flush at the vision now playing out in my head. That was one hell of a night…and morning…and following afternoon. I vaguely remember champagne, whip cream and… holy shit, handcuffs? A loud, boisterous laugh escapes my mouth. Yep, one hell of a night. Could it be? Could I be?

My heartbeat starts to accelerate, as the reality of the situation hits me head on. Oh my God. I totally am. It’s only been three months since things have been good. Are we ready for this? Is he ready? Shit…

Am I ready?

My arm accidentally runs against my chest. Goddamn that hurts.

Yep, better get ready.

***

My feet take brisk steps as I make my way to Jules apartment. I don’t think I have ever walked so fast in my life, my impending fate exciting me to the core.

A light sweat breaks out across my forehead the closer I get to my destination, the crisp fall air doing nothing to calm the excitement radiating from my body. As I approach the building, I nod my head in a familiar gesture to the doorman and then head over to the elevator. Once inside I press the floor and wait for the doors to close. My foot nervously taps until the elevator arrives on Jules floor. Heading down the hall to her apartment, I knock once before Jules yells for me to come inside.

I’m greeted by a foul smell permeating through the air when I walk inside her apartment and my stomach turns over. Why is she cooking again? I’ve noticed a trend over the last few months. The happier I become, the more distant Jules appears, her eyes looking more and more hollow as the days pass. She often seems tired, worn out. Now, the tell-tale signs that something is amiss hangs in the air, a baking monstrosity gone wrong. Jules only bakes when she needs to think and, unfortunately, she has been baking a lot.

“Jules, where are you?”

“Ava? What are you doing here?” Her voice is far off, echoing through the hallway that leads to her bedroom.

“I’m late,”

*This is a free epilogue to Imperfect Truth. This is not a standalone or a novel.

You must read Imperfect Truth NOW ONLY $0.99 to read this book.

About the Author

Ava Harrison is a New Yorker, born and bred.

When she’s not journaling her life, you can find her window shopping, cooking dinner for her family, or curled up on her couch reading a book.

Connect to Ava

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ava-Harrison/984568204896418?fref=ts

Twitter: @avaharrison333

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/avaharrison333/

Perfectly Flawed Support Group on Facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/778471848896125/

January 21, 2016 by Tina Williams

SALES BLITZ ~ Shuttergirl, by C.D. Reiss (includes excerpt)

Are you ready for a different kind of love story?

Meet Michael & Laine in this Hollywood themed second chance romance by CD Reiss!

NOW ON SALE for ONLY $0.99!

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1RXBv1n

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1FlYvSs

Barnes & Noble – http://bit.ly/1d3hzub

iBooks – http://apple.co/1KS8bUC

Kobo – http://bit.ly/1bBO020

ShutterGirl Book Trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_u2QJM0key0&feature=youtu.be

Blurb

THE USA TODAY BESTSELLER

I never forgot her.

Not for one minute. Not from the last time I saw her, at seventeen, to today. I measured all women against her and all women came up short. But being with her was unfeasible in high school, and it’s taboo now. I see her sometimes, but I’ve never spoken to her. She runs, or I run. We’re in the same town, on the same block, in the same building, and the gulf between us is just too wide to cross. Until tonight. —- He was my high school crush, back when I lived in a world that didn’t want me. He was the perfect boy, and I was the outcast kid from the other side of town. And when he held my hand I thought I could fit in, just a little. I thought I could be his and he could be mine. Then he left, and my life fell apart. Now we are the king and queen of opposite sides of Hollywood. And we haven’t spoken a word to each other. Until tonight.

Excerpt #1

I stroked his hair, waist deep in peace, all worry gone for the moment, and floating in no more than an ocean of gratitude. I must have been more vulnerable than I realized, or he’d reopened some wound with his kindness, because though my sweet reverie stayed, as the minutes passed, a layer of need fitted itself on top of it.

I needed to tell him, if not the details, the outlines of who I was.

“I want you to know,” I whispered, starting somewhere small, then everything I didn’t want to say spilled out. “I have stuff. I’ve never been to jail, but you know, it’s stuff, and it’s ugly, and it scares me. Because, I mean, you’re so perfect, and I’m… I’m just a mess. I’m not whole. I’m a bunch of pieces of a person I cobbled together.” My eyes got wet when I thought of the comparisons between us and that picture in my silverware drawer. “So if you have to move on when you realize that, I’ll understand. You have an image, and if anyone understands protecting a career, it’s me. I mean, I’ll be mad, don’t get that wrong, but also.” I swallowed and blinked, shifting my head so he wouldn’t feel the tear on his forehead. “I won’t blame you.”

I waited for an answer. Anything. A change in position or a word on any subject. The weather. Sports. Something. But all he did was breathe.

I smiled so wide, tears fell into my mouth. He was sleeping.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

CD Reiss

CD Reiss is a USA Today and Amazon bestseller. She still has to chop wood and carry water, which was buried in the fine print. Her lawyer is working it out with God but in the meantime, if you call and she doesn’t pick up, she’s at the well, hauling buckets.

Born in New York City, she moved to Hollywood, California to get her master’s degree in screenwriting from USC. In case you want to know, that went nowhere, but it did embed TV story structure in her head well enough for her to take a big risk on a TV series structured erotic series called Songs of Submission. It’s about a kinky billionaire hung up on his ex-wife, an ingenue singer with a wisecracking mouth; art, music and sin in the city of Los Angeles.

Critics have dubbed the books “poetic,” “literary,” and “hauntingly atmospheric,” which is flattering enough for her to put it in a bio, but embarrassing enough for her not to tell her husband, or he might think she’s some sort of braggart who’s too good to give the toilets a once-over every couple of weeks or chop a cord of wood.

If you meet her in person, you should call her Christine.

Stalk Her:

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January 20, 2016 by Tina Williams

REVIEW – A Cupcake Christmas (Touchstone, #5), by Beth Barany

Magical and Upbeat

Banish the winter blues and indulge in this magical romance by Beth Barany featuring a sexy elf and cupcakes – a yummy combination! This short novel (or long novella of 43,000 words) is now available (Amazon, iBooks, and Kobo: $0.99). Scroll down to read my review.

Book Blurb

What if you risked losing your baking legacy by cooking up a love truly special? Florian MacMillian needs a final job to complete his baking resume—preferably a job where he’s unlikely to blow things up with his unruly magic—before returning to the North Pole and taking his rightful place as Master Baker to all the elves. Kate Delore desperately needs help in her fast-growing cupcake business. Florian is a perfect fit, so she brings him on as baker. For a short time, Florian is happily up to his elbows in batter, and Kate’s business is booming. But when things heat up between them, Florian wonders if he should risk his legacy to cook up something truly special.

To find out more about this book visit Beth.

http://author.bethbarany.com/books/a-cupcake-christmas-a-christmas-elf-story-romance/

My Review * (Five Stars)

A Magical and Upbeat Romance

This is a magical and upbeat romance between Kate, a young cupcake entrepreneur, and Florian, a Master Baker in the making, who unbeknownst to the humans around him, just happens to be an elf who is one of Santa’s nephews!

It’s an enchanting read that will help banish the winter blues. Kate is a hardworking young businesswoman who is striving to get her cupcake business off the ground and as such has little time for romance. However, when she takes on Florian to assist her over the busy Christmas period, attraction blooms between them and she fights a losing battle to keep their relationship strictly business. They are such a good fit together, in and outside work!

Florian is not only a hard worker, but he is a talented baker and helps Kate to feel more relaxed about life and more optimistic about where she can take her business. Yet despite their attraction, Florian has only agreed to work for Kate on a temporary basis as he is looking forward to returning to his own world to assume the role of Master Baker that was destined to be his.

The author does a great job of illustrating the conflicts within both Kate and Florian when it comes to their romance, and I was eager to find out if this particular elf was just for Christmas! Indeed, the read contains plenty of tension and emotional turmoil plus increasing mayhem and magic as the plot unravels!

A Cupcake Christmas, book 5 in the author’s Touchstone series, is the first book I have read by Beth Barany and it was a delightful read! I recommend it to readers who are looking for a feel-good romance with a magical twist.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

Please note a copy of this book was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.